Welcome to the Maine Coalition for
Housing and Quality Services!
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services began in May 2006, formed by a group of parents of children with special needs. Ultimately, the goal of the Coalition is to create a system of quality housing and personal supports that is person and family centered, with choice, dignity, and efficiency being at the forefront of efforts. There are some 4000 people involved including parents, advocates, self-advocates, providers, decision makers from DHHS, special education, vocational professionals, experts on transition, and other key players.
The Coalition serves as an important clearinghouse of information, a gathering point for people with common interests, a forum for speakers to present and interact, and a place for collective advocacy. It is inclusive and effective, and all interested parties are invited to attend or participate.
Housing is a pressing concern for individuals with disabilities and their families all around the state, especially given the lack of resources at this time. Quality of services is also a significant concern. By pulling together as a collective voice, current policies can be improved, and quality, affordable housing and supports can become a reality for people in need.
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services is ultimately focused on pursuing action steps for quality services and housing. It is meant to be a consortium of interested parties, including those from many other advocacy groups as their work relates to these two issues. The Coalition includes some 14 other distinct councils and advocacy groups, now united with a large voice in their efforts directed at housing and quality in services. Generally, meetings are held the second Monday of every month from 12 - 2 pm in Portland at One City Center in the Burton Fisher Community Meeting Room, 1st Floor. Remote sites are available across the state and can be set up prior to any meeting to facilitate local participation in as many as 40 different locations. For more information, or to receive action emails and policy updates, please contact Cullen Ryan, Executive Director of Community Housing of Maine, cullen@chomhousing.org or (207) 879-0347, or click here!
The Coalition serves as an important clearinghouse of information, a gathering point for people with common interests, a forum for speakers to present and interact, and a place for collective advocacy. It is inclusive and effective, and all interested parties are invited to attend or participate.
Housing is a pressing concern for individuals with disabilities and their families all around the state, especially given the lack of resources at this time. Quality of services is also a significant concern. By pulling together as a collective voice, current policies can be improved, and quality, affordable housing and supports can become a reality for people in need.
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services is ultimately focused on pursuing action steps for quality services and housing. It is meant to be a consortium of interested parties, including those from many other advocacy groups as their work relates to these two issues. The Coalition includes some 14 other distinct councils and advocacy groups, now united with a large voice in their efforts directed at housing and quality in services. Generally, meetings are held the second Monday of every month from 12 - 2 pm in Portland at One City Center in the Burton Fisher Community Meeting Room, 1st Floor. Remote sites are available across the state and can be set up prior to any meeting to facilitate local participation in as many as 40 different locations. For more information, or to receive action emails and policy updates, please contact Cullen Ryan, Executive Director of Community Housing of Maine, cullen@chomhousing.org or (207) 879-0347, or click here!
A partial list of activities the Coalition so far follows:
Action to Ensure a Supportive Housing Allocation
Action for Fully Restoring the HOME Fund
Action for Educating DHHS and MaineHousing about the importance of a variety of supportive housing models
Action for addressing Emergency Rule change affecting services to people with Autism
Action for the National Housing Trust Fund
Action for addressing MaineCare Section 21 Waiver Concerns
Action to preserve the Safety Net for Maine's most Vulnerable Citizens
Action to create a Housing Revenue Bond
Action to fight proposed budget cuts to DHHS
Action to devise and implement an efficient and effective DD Lifelong Continuum of Care
Action to increase the supply of Section 8
Action to expand Section 29 services
Action to create a blueprint for effective transition
Action to include preventative dental services for MaineCare Section 21 and Section 29 recipients
Action to expand the cap for Section 29
Action to preserve access to and funding for Medicaid
Action to improve non-emergency transportation services
Action to Ensure a Supportive Housing Allocation
Action for Fully Restoring the HOME Fund
Action for Educating DHHS and MaineHousing about the importance of a variety of supportive housing models
Action for addressing Emergency Rule change affecting services to people with Autism
Action for the National Housing Trust Fund
Action for addressing MaineCare Section 21 Waiver Concerns
Action to preserve the Safety Net for Maine's most Vulnerable Citizens
Action to create a Housing Revenue Bond
Action to fight proposed budget cuts to DHHS
Action to devise and implement an efficient and effective DD Lifelong Continuum of Care
Action to increase the supply of Section 8
Action to expand Section 29 services
Action to create a blueprint for effective transition
Action to include preventative dental services for MaineCare Section 21 and Section 29 recipients
Action to expand the cap for Section 29
Action to preserve access to and funding for Medicaid
Action to improve non-emergency transportation services
Get Involved!
- Add us on Facebook
- Submit an Event to our Postings Page
- Submit a photo for the website!
- Photo release for submissions for the website
- Communicate with DHHS
- Communicate with MaineHousing
- Receive Email Updates
- Current Happenings
- Join Community Connect on Facebook
- Resources & Helpful Organizations
- Find Your Representative
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services provides equal opportunity for meeting participation. If you wish to attend but require an interpreter or other accommodation please forward your request two weeks prior to the monthly meeting to vickey@chomhousing.org.